ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Retail Merchandise Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Short Story

Merchandise Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

Short Story is an award winning, technology powered retailer dedicated to petite women 5'4" and ... The Merchandise Planner plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our merchandise assortment ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandise Planner

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes and communicates strategic merchandise financial plans ... This should include prior experience in the retail industry. Job Related Skills: Well-developed ...

Dollartree

Merchandise Planner

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes and communicates strategic merchandise financial plans ... This should include prior experience in the retail industry. Job Related Skills : Well-developed ...

Dollartree

Merchandise Planner

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes and communicates strategic merchandise financial plans ... This should include prior experience in the retail industry. Job Related Skills : Well-developed ...

Skechers

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for successful development and execution of top-down and ... Strong aptitude for numbers and clear understanding of retail math. * Proficiency in using ...

Bass Pro Shops

Merchandise Planner

Springfield, MO · On-site

The Merchandise Planner will plan, forecast and manage sales, margin, inventory, receipts and turn for retail and direct business for financial and demand components. Key responsibilities are to ...

Skechers

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for successful development and execution of top-down and ... Strong aptitude for numbers and clear understanding of retail math. * Proficiency in using ...

Petco

Merchandise Planner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$66/hr

Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of specialty retail dynamics and customer behavior ... merchandise planning, preferably in specialty retail * Experience with omnichannel retail and ...

Dollartree

Merchandise Planner

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

The Merchandise Planner develops, executes and communicates strategic merchandise financial plans ... This should include prior experience in the retail industry. Job Related Skills : Well-developed ...

King Ranch, Inc.

Merchandise Planner

Houston, TX · On-site

... Merchandise Planning and Allocation and other stakeholders, while maintaining ability to work at ... Familiarity with inventory management in multi-channel retail environments (brick-and-mortar and e ...

Fanatics, Inc.

Merchandise Planner

Manhattan, NY

$80K - $95K/yr

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM: * 4-6 years of experience in merchandise or financial planning within retail, consumer products, or licensing. * Strong analytical skills; proficiency in Excel and ...

Bath & Body Works

Merchandise Planner

Reynoldsburg, OH · On-site

$83K - $122K/yr

The Merchandise Planner for Bath & Body Works is responsible for the planning/forecasting of ... Two years of catalogue, internet or stores retail experience Education * Bachelor's degree in ...

L Brands, Inc.

Merchandise Planner

Reynoldsburg, OH · On-site

The Merchandise Planner for Bath & Body Works is responsible for the planning/forecasting of ... Two years of catalogue, internet or stores retail experience Education * Bachelor's degree in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRetail Merchandise Planner Jobs

Retail Merchandise Planner information

See salary details

$33K

$76.9K

$111K

How much do retail merchandise planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for retail merchandise planner in the United States is $76,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Retail Merchandise Planners face in balancing inventory levels and sales targets?

Retail Merchandise Planners often navigate the delicate balance between maintaining optimal inventory levels and achieving sales targets. A key challenge is accurately forecasting demand for various products, especially in the face of changing consumer trends and seasonal fluctuations. Planners must also coordinate closely with buyers, suppliers, and store managers to ensure timely stock replenishment while minimizing overstock and markdown risks. Effective communication and data analysis skills are essential for making informed decisions that support both profitability and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Retail Merchandise Planner vs Retail Buyer?

AspectRetail Merchandise PlannerRetail Buyer
Primary FocusForecasting sales, inventory management, and merchandise planningSelecting and purchasing products to meet customer demand
Skills & CertificationsAnalytical skills, inventory management, retail software proficiencyNegotiation, product knowledge, vendor relations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborating with planning and merchandising teamsStore visits, vendor meetings, purchasing decisions
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail chains, department stores, and e-commerceUsed across retail sectors including apparel, electronics, and specialty stores

While both roles are essential in retail operations, the Retail Merchandise Planner primarily focuses on sales forecasting and inventory management, ensuring the right products are available at the right time. The Retail Buyer concentrates on selecting and purchasing products, building relationships with vendors, and curating merchandise to attract customers. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and hiring needs within retail organizations.

What does a Retail Merchandise Planner do?

A Retail Merchandise Planner is responsible for forecasting, planning, and managing inventory levels to ensure that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities. They analyze sales trends, consumer demand, and past performance to create effective merchandise plans that maximize sales and minimize excess stock. Merchandise Planners work closely with buyers, suppliers, and store managers to optimize product assortment, pricing, and stock allocation across different locations. Their main goal is to increase profitability and improve the overall efficiency of the retail supply chain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Retail Merchandise Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Merchandise Planner, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in business, finance, or merchandising, often with a relevant degree. Familiarity with inventory management systems, data analysis tools like Excel, and planning software such as Oracle Retail or JDA is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills are vital for optimizing inventory, maximizing sales, and ensuring the right products are available to meet customer demand.
More about Retail Merchandise Planner jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs? The top employers for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Retail Merchandise Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Retail Merchandise Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Merchandise Planner jobs are:
Retail Merchandise Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retail Merchandise Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Full Time, 90% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,893 per year, or $37 per hour.
Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planner

Short Story

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Our Story:
Short Story is an award winning, technology powered retailer dedicated to petite women 5'4" and under. Our mission is to create a seamless shopping experience for millions of petite women so they can dress with effortless confidence.
As a fast-growing startup, we're revolutionizing retail with a data driven learning system that leverages customer feedback to create tailored products. We've been recognized by top publications like Forbes, Fortune and are backed by leading investors who share our vision of building the world's next great consumer brand.
Our Values:
We're building a company with intention and purpose. Our culture thrives on data insights, exceptional commitment to fit, and the urgency to move quickly on what matters.
  • Transform Lives. We're customer-first. Everything we create exists to give her confidence.
  • Demand Excellence. We deliver only our best work, in Fit and Finish. We obsess about details others overlook.
  • Embrace Challenges. We see obstacles as opportunities to invent better solutions.
  • Think Differently. We get a thrill from finding better solutions others haven't seen.

The Role:
The Merchandise Planner plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our merchandise assortment, focusing on maximizing sales and profitability. As the first hire in our planning organization, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the foundation of our planning processes. This role combines strategic planning with operational execution, optimizing inventory levels to enhance margin and fuel growth. The inventory guru thrives on innovation, optimization, and problem-solving, always seeking new ways to propel the business forward and meet customer demands.
Your Responsibilities:
Inventory Management and Merchandise Planning
  • Take charge of strategic company planning and inventory planning to drive sales, manage inventory turnover, and exceed financial targets in your designated area.
  • Design innovative inventory strategies that effectively balance new and core merchandise, while supporting in-stock and turnover objectives within the company budget.
  • Determine optimal order quantities for core items and develop flow strategies, collaborating with vendors and merchandising to ensure timely and accurate execution of purchase orders.
  • Analyze historical data to extract valuable insights on product performance, pricing strategies, and inventory trends, applying these learnings to inform future seasons.
  • Accurately forecast sales and inventory needs, crafting strategies that maximize opportunities and minimize risks.
  • Maintain the planning system with precise parameters to enhance forecast accuracy, optimize receipt flow, and improve algorithm performance.
  • Develop and implement new or enhanced forecasting models that provide greater visibility into business performance and drive informed decision-making.

Who you are:
Qualifications:
  • BA or BS preferred.
  • 4+ consecutive years of Merchandising Planning experience.

Skills:
  • Data driven individual with a curious, entrepreneurial mindset. Able to take initiative to start work quickly to meet deadlines.
  • Effective problem solver, with a hands-on "get things done" mentality. You are eager and able to solve challenges and tackle opportunities, identify potential issues and hurdles, and develop ways to get around them.
  • Excellent quantitative and data analysis skills. You're energized by data and are always looking to uncover insights to develop new ideas, test hypotheses, and make key recommendations.
  • Proven ability to objectively interpret data and extract actionable insights that drive the business
  • Effective prioritization and organization to stay positive and proactive in an ambiguous environment are a must.
  • Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Understands that different situations may call for different approaches, showing the ability to be flexible in changing situations.

Technical Proficiency & Preferred Experience :
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel/Google Suites and have aptitude to learn technical applications quickly.
  • Have experience in the subscription business desired.

Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • 401k with company match
  • Flexible PTO policy & paid holidays
  • Catered lunch on Fridays and company events
  • Employee discount on merchandise
  • Opportunity to work at a Y-Combinator backed startup alongside a dedicated and experienced founding team

Short Story is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment for all employees and applicants. We work diligently to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Apply